Reputation: Local Pennsylvania event.
[01]
Course Overview
Gates, switchbacks, and quiet farm country gravel in central Pennsylvania.
50 mi
Distance
3,500 ft
Elevation
Central Pennsylvania
Location
August 15, 2026
Date
~50
Field Size
$50-75
Entry Cost
Facts & History
[03]
The Course
Pennsylvania rolling gravel.
Signature challenge: Pennsylvania rolling terrain.
15
MILE
Early Rolling
First rolling sections.
25
MILE
Midpoint
Halfway through the course.
40
MILE
Late Rolling
Final rolling sections before finish.
RIDERS REPORT
Five mile drag
A long gradual climb that's only a thousand feet over five miles, described as like a false flat forever.
The roads are described as fantastic with trails that are really nice.
[04]
From the Field
This was the most scenic stage so far, though not in the sense of beautiful vistas because we were deep in the canopy most of the time. The thick old growth, damp roads, and deep green cover was putting off PNW vibes.
Kerry Werner · 5.1K views
We were freaking cruising for the first 20 miles probably doing 20 to 24 miles an hour or something like that which means we were doing a lot of group racing had a big group of five or six, lots of drafting and being tactical today.
Kerry Werner · 5.1K views
I just think these gravel camping events are so awesome and this is no different like like we race hard when from start to finish but like once we cross the line like the vibe totally changes and it's just hanging out around the campsite playing guitar on the campfire having s'mores and stuff and just having fun with your friends so I think that's what sets these events apart
DirtWireTV · 840 views
The camaraderie is really really cool everybody's out there her and but you're getting a good group and everybody's working together once you know to get to the finish and you know it's just everybody's enjoying enjoying the weekend together
DirtWireTV · 840 views
RACER
Racer Reviews
Raced Mid-State Gravel Grinder? Be the first to rate it.
[07]
Training
August 15, 2026 MID-STATE GRAVEL GRINDER
[08]
Train for Mid-State Gravel Grinder
RACE DEMAND PROFILE
Durability
2
Climbing
4
VO2 Power
2
Threshold
5
Technical
4
Heat
1
Altitude
2
Race Specificity
3
FREE
GET THE MID-STATE GRAVEL GRINDER PREP KIT
12-week training timeline, race-day checklists, packing list, and personalized fueling calculator — unlocked instantly.
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[09]
Race Logistics
Airport
State College (SCE) 30 minutes
Lodging
Central PA has good lodging options.
Food
Central PA has full dining options. Stock nutrition.
Packet Pickup
Day of typically
Parking
At start/finish
RIDERS REPORT
The first 20 miles can be fast with big groups doing 20 to 24 miles per hour with lots of drafting and tactical racing.
[10]
Tire Picks
40mmWET
1
Vittoria Terreno Wet
excellent wet grip
2
Continental Terra Trail
excellent wet grip
3
Specialized Pathfinder Pro
Fast center, grippy edges. The modern all-rounder benchmark.
FRONT/REAR SPLIT Rene Herse Snoqualmie Pass 44mm / Vittoria Terreno Wet 40mmFaster front for reduced rolling resistance on straights, grippier rear for traction on loose climbs and corners
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Similar Races
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the climate like at Mid-State Gravel Grinder?
Historical weather data shows average highs of 82°F and lows of 64°F, with a 61% chance of rain on any given day. The August date shows in the DNF rates — the 70-mile course had 20.5% DNFs versus just 2.8% on the shorter distance. Heat and humidity take their toll on the longer efforts, though the 9:00 AM start helps beat the worst conditions. More weather exposure than Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego.[1]
How are the logistics for Mid-State Gravel Grinder?
Starting at Mid-State Airport on Airport Road works fine — 7:00 AM registration, 8:30 AM close, 9:00 AM start keeps things moving. Aid stations at miles 16 and 26 for the half course with cutoff at noon. Lynn Botelho had her nutrition dialed in and the basic setup delivered what she needed.[1]
How adventurous is Mid-State Gravel Grinder?
Course maps show dirt/gravel roads in red, paved in black through central Pennsylvania farm country. The route includes several gates to wiggle through and almost U-turns that break up the standard gravel rhythm. It's honest miles through honest terrain without trying to be more than it is.[1]
How prestigious is Mid-State Gravel Grinder?
This is a regional PA gravel race that barely registers on the national radar. No notable pro riders, no prize purse, no YouTube coverage — just basic event listings on BikeReg and RaceRoster. They had to move the 2026 date to August 15th and start from an airport road address tells you everything about their draw power.[3]
Should I race Mid-State Gravel Grinder?
If you're local to Pennsylvania—yes, it's good value. If you're traveling—skip it.
[11]
Sources & Citations
Research sources used to build this race profile. Always verify details with official race sources before making travel or registration decisions.
- Route Maps RideWithGPS: Mid-State Gravel Grinder 2024ridewithgps.com/routes/47788083
- Other Sources Racecheckracecheck.com/races/mid-state-gravel-grinder/
- Other Sources Racerosterraceroster.com/events/2025/108864/mid-state-gravel-grinder
- Other Sources Gravel-Resultswww.gravel-results.com/race/19991
- Other Sources Joinbasecampwww.joinbasecamp.com/post/evans-story-mid-state-gravel-gr...
- Other Sources Joinbasecampwww.joinbasecamp.com/post/lynns-story-mid-state-gravel-gr...
- Other Sources Ohiogravelgrinderswww.ohiogravelgrinders.com/event-listings/2024/8/3/mid-st...
- Community Redditwww.reddit.com/r/gravelcycling/comments/w1ikoc/midstate_g...
- Other Sources Statecollegewww.statecollege.com/articles/community/test-your-mettle-...
- Community reddit.com: Rode In My First Bike Race Yesterday The Midstatewww.reddit.com/r/gravelcycling/comments/omq0zh/rode_in_my...
- Community trans-sylvaniaproductions.com: Msggwww.trans-sylvaniaproductions.com/msgg